Fairy, Don't Be Afraid, I Am Blind

Chapter 142 - 113: Master: He’s So Fierce (5k)_3

"I do have a few words to say to you."

You Su feels relieved, grateful that he did not offend Master.

"Please, Master, go ahead."

From deep within the mist, a moment’s silence before a voice emerges:

"To be honest, I did not realize that taking on an apprentice would be so complicated. If you have any grievances, feel free to speak."

"Why would you say such a thing, Master? Given your esteemed status, those who wish to become disciples of the Lotus Sword Venerable are as numerous as carp crossing the river, and yet I have become the one fortunate soul. On the day I became your disciple, it all seemed so surreal, the ceremonies only made me feel the weight of being your disciple. You Su feels these rituals are not grand enough, how could I find them burdensome and bear grievances?"

You Su quickly explains, and He Shutong, observing the sincerity in the young man’s demeanor from beyond the mist, can hear the heartfelt truth in his words. Her breath catches slightly, once again moved by this young man’s unreserved honesty.

He thinks that being accepted as her disciple is his fortune, unaware that it is but a small gesture of compensation from her to him.

"You need not think that way. With your natural talent, being my disciple is more than fitting."

You Su smiles calmly: "Outstanding steeds are common, but few truly get the chance to showcase their talents. Even if You Su is indeed a prodigy, becoming your disciple is still a stroke of luck."

As he finishes speaking, a ripple stirs, and He Shutong feels her heart throb, unable to remain cold ever again.

"It’s my fortune as well to have taken you as a disciple," He Shutong responds calmly, controlling her emotions.

You Su also feels a surge of emotion; for a Master of Void Realm to feel fortunate for accepting a blind man from the Spirit Platform Realm, shows she has tremendous expectations of him. He recalls the Third Elder’s guidance and asks:

"Master, is there any turbulence expected during this seven-day public announcement period?"

He Shutong, remembering the attitudes of the other two peaks towards Lotus Peak, knows that these conflicts are unavoidable.

"While other true disciples can easily pass these seven days, it will be different for you as my disciple; there will inevitably be challenges because of my oversight. However, rest assured, I will come out of seclusion and stand behind you, facing them together with you."

Upon hearing this, You Su remains silent, lost in thought.

He Shutong, not getting a response to her genuine words, feels a pang of anxiety and tentatively asks:

"Is it that you are unwilling?"

"Of course, I’m unwilling."

You Su replies decisively, his voice no longer carrying the respect it once did, but rather a hint of coldness.

He Shutong feels even more flustered, uncertain of what she might have said wrong to make You Su seem angry at her. Deep down, she feels a sharp pain and deep self-reproach; if even You Su feels disappointed, what would her melted Ice Heart have melted for? Wouldn’t it turn out to be a joke after all?

"W-why?"

A dignified Venerable, yet she stutters slightly.

"Does the Master feel the need to come out specially to support me because You Su is incapable of facing the setbacks you foresee? Or do you think I am simply a blind disciple who can only rely on you to be qualified as your disciple?"

"That’s not it..."

"It’s not? But from what you just said, I thought you chose me because of my talent. Yet your actions are telling me I’m merely a student accepted due to your connections at Lotus Peak, hence you don’t trust I can pass on my own?"

He Shutong remains silent for a long time after being confronted by You Su’s words. At that moment, she cannot differentiate whether her heart feels joy or sorrow—sorrow for the accusations and misunderstandings in You Su’s words, and joy from those same misunderstandings. Human emotions are indeed exceedingly complex.

Having vented his feelings, You Su places immense importance on his Master, who is clearly not finished with her retreat yet insists on emerging to help him face matters he ought to handle himself, which makes him feel slighted.

When his senior sister protects him, he feels grateful, showing he is not someone who only relies on others without effort; however, he cannot swallow the care given at the cost of his Master’s sacrifice.

Seeing his Master fall silent, he instantly regrets his words. In the eight years he has been with her, this seems to be the first time he has spoken to her with emotion. He sighs, realizing that in the end, the problem lies within himself.

"Master, You Su meant no blame towards you with his words earlier; it’s just my laughable pride at play. It’s entirely my own issue, my lack of skill and strength, which prevents you from fully trusting me. Should you choose to punish me for speaking out of turn, I will accept calmly!"

Each word like firewood beneath the Lotus Pool, aiming to turn this spiritual pool into a warm spring. He Shutong feels the once cool waters grow hot, unaware that it is the rise in her own body temperature from You Su’s words that warms even the spiritual mist above the pool.

How could she bear to punish You Su? Instead, she longs to embrace him for comfort just as she did the day he first awoke.

"You’re not at fault, why would I punish you? It’s I who did not fully consider these matters, leaving you to endure more hardship."

"Master!"

You Su can no longer contain himself, shouting sternly. His shout leaves He Shutong stunned, staring at You Su, not expecting this once gentle young man to show such a fierce side.

Inside him, a fierce flame rises, and he stands tall:

"Master! This is not your problem at all! I have never had grievances about the mess my mentors left me with! As a disciple, isn’t it my duty to endure these trials? If you continue to believe this is your fault, then I would rather not be your disciple! Anyway, as you see it, I am incapable of independently becoming a true disciple, so I’d rather resign to being a listening disciple!"

"No!"

Don’t leave me, nor say another word...

Your Ice Heart has long melted because of You Su, turning into a warm current flowing throughout the body. Keep going... and the stream might overflow...